Good-bye 2018

Can you believe 2018 is over?!?!?

Truth be told, I keep forgetting it's NYE today.  Feels like a Sunday and it's raining all day and we do NOTHING NYE so there's that too LOL.

I'm splitting the "un-decorating" into 2 days.  Starting with the trees and miscellaneous stuff today.  Last task of the holiday.  I know I'm not the only one who "un-loves" this process.

I mentioned GOAL work this week.  Lots of "doing" goals and some "thinking" goals too.  I'll write a post soon.  I did goals TWO ways combining my 2019 mentor triad (Rachel Hollis, Brooke Castillo and Gretchen Rubin). This is the first time I did anything like this in writing.  I need excitement to keep my NEW ME going after life coaching ends.

I saved my year-in-review for this last day of the year.  I'll spend some time today writing about what went well and what didn't.  I've never done this before either, but it seems to be a common practice so I'm game for trying it.

I'll leave you and this year with a few pictures.

Happy NYE!!!

On the way for my NITRO coffee.
Dog zen and peace.

My aunt won our Christmas card contest.
Parker and Duke!!
Frame worthy and saved.

Yep.

Netflix and a New Book

(Hubby is up early with me this morning, so this is a quick hello.
Also, I did a bunch of GOAL work yesterday and I'll share it this week.)

My youngest and I watched Bird Box on Netflix last night.  I'm still thinking about it ... creepy, good movie!  Well worth the watch if you have Netflix and like spooky.  Actors did a great job, the story is good and the ending doesn't disappoint.

I'm watching Call the Midwife on Netflix too.  I had no idea there are 7 seasons!!!  It's really good although I can't imagine watching for 7 seasons.  Guess I'll see ...

I'm reading a book a friend gave me for Christmas My Little Life.  It's good so far, deep and dark.  It's over 700 pages so I have a long way to go.  She loved it so I'm glad to read it.

Today is a NITRO COFFEE (yea) and chili-football afternoon.  Christmas decorations coming down tomorrow and Tuesday.  I haven't been inspired to do it yet.  It has to be finished for Wednesday and the cleaning crew though.

That's all from here - have a great day! Later gators.

Gretchen Rubin

GR (as she shall be known in this post because I'm lazy) is where all the personal growth started for me.  The Happiness Project.  It was a solid first step in the process of my change.  Lots of logical stuff.  Doing goals.  Clean clutter, be yourself, etc.

It worked so well for that year and then it stopped working.  Turns out I needed to do some head work as a next step.  All the logical, doing things changed into thought management.  Didn't matter WHAT I did, I could control my happiness by my thoughts (hello Brooke Castillo).

Now I want to pull it all together because GR's ideas are so much fun.  I love the way her mind works.  Combine GR and Brooke Castillo and it would be PERFECTION hahahaha!  These would be 2 of my dinner guests at the proverbial dinner-party-of-anyone.

If you haven't listened to her podcast with her sister ... Happier with Gretchen Rubin ... I totally recommend it.  I love the way she and her sister interact.  Her sister is dry and makes me laugh every episode.

Anyway, this is a long way to say I signed up for GR's year long HAPPINESS program.  It's on an early-bird special of $120 for the year.  $10 per month.  That's a cost I can handle.  It's live calls, assignment AND the SAME NETWORK as PHB (that's freaky).

I don't want to do life coaching immediately after PHB.  I need a money break and time to see if I need to continue with it.  I also don't want to be one of those people who NEEDS life coaching to live her life.  This is something different.  Fun, practical with a level of accountability too.

My personal growth for 2019 is taking shape:

(1) Rachel Hollis conference in June.
(2) RH goal planner daily worksheet (for a better afternoon/evening routine).
(3) GR Happiness Project class.

Sounds about right.  Of course, having these tools is great, but doing the work is where it's at - always.

Yesterday, I wasn't feeling the healthy day and I didn't (no surprise).  After a busy morning, I sat with Netflix and snacks and spent the rest of the day living as a slug.

Today, I'm ready for a healthy day.  I'll be suffering this afternoon, but I'm ready to be back doing the work.  January 1(or 2) is coming fast and I want to be ready to START all this fun 2019 stuff.  It starts with energy and feeling well (I'm missing both this week).

Here's my vision board for PHB homework.  The rocking chair in the middle is a Tony Robbins thing.  At the end of your life, sitting on a rocking chair, what would you regret not doing?  I use that visualization to help make decisions to add VARIETY in my life.  I'm a CERTAINTY girl and I can be so certain with life that I make my life too small.  A big future goal is to learn Spanish (that's the green circle).  The ring is a "thing" goal that I want for my right hand some day.  The dog drawing from my aunt - of course dogs!!  The rest are little reminders for me - for where I am right now.

This is HAPPY!  It's Junebug's toy, but Parker claimed it from minute one.
He carries it everywhere and smiles the entire time.
Junebug didn't like it and she claimed a toy of his - so all is balanced LOL!
I love this dog so stinking much!!

Have a great day.  Think of me as I ALLOW all the cravings (and probably some withdraw) this afternoon -- oh boy.  It's going to be a big entry in my Urge book.  I'm finding the Sharpie now.  Later gators.

Rain, Rain and More Rain

I think half the country is thinking the same - HOLY RAIN!  It's pouring and going to rain for the next zillion (or 8) days.  Flooding and the likes.  Stay dry everyone.

I managed some good work time in the office yesterday (work as in personal growth).

Goal setting according to Rachel Hollis needs some tweaking for me.  I think if I were goal setting 10 or 15 or 20 years ago, her method would work.  As it is, I'm in a different season of life and have different kinds of goals right now and very little time constraints.  I like the concept of focusing on something big rather than lots of little things, but I don't need to wait 10 years to work on all of my list.  I have a few goals that are in "wait" mode, but not 9 of them.  (You make a list of 10 and choose one a year to focus on.)  She mentions that focusing on one tends to automatically raise other areas too, but that still isn't exactly right for me.

I'm going to mesh her method with Brooke Castillo and use her goal journal that way.  Still working The List.  Planning my start on January 2 so I can be the cliche LOL.

Gretchen Rubin's word of the year.  Loved the podcast.  Her word is GROWTH.  I actually thought about that one before listening to the podcast but decided it felt too generic for me.  She used UPGRADE one year and it made me think of LEVEL UP.  Upgrade feels like a passive word (you get upgraded).  Level up seems like an action word (I leveled up).  It felt good and then I did my meditation with that intention ... 2019.  The word SHINE kept coming up in my head.

Message from the Universe?  Random thought word?  I don't know.  After I thought about what SHINE could mean for 2019 and I decided to go with it.  It's a prettier word hahaha!

What does it mean, you ask?  Well, ready yourself for some woo woo stuff.

I want to let my whole self SHINE.  Good and bad.  Not pretend to be someone different with certain people.  Open myself up to be a little vulnerable.  I've worked on not apologizing for certain things about myself (I go to sleep early, I like 8 hours of sleep, I don't like to dance, etc) but I still hide other areas from people.  Very few people (friends) know I'm doing this life coaching.  Why?  I don't want to be judged.  Shine means opening up.

Shine is also similar to my "all is bright."  See the SHINE in people and things and experiences.  Make THINGS shine.  Help others to shine.  You get the idea.

It's a bit over-the-top for even me, but I'm going with it.  The word is different than my actual goals.  It's like a goal enhancement.  Here's my goal, now let's SHINE and make it even better.  (Yes, a little gag worthy, but if it's too much, I can always change it.  It's MY word, after all.)

I also (mostly) finished my vision board.  I'll get a picture of it soon-- lots of inspirational memes and a few goal pictures too.  It's not a masterpiece, but I'll hang it in the workout room and see it regularly.  I have a quote board in there already so it's much of the same.  I'll do a post on it next week.

On the docket today is GOAL SETTING again.  It's hard!!  I also want to start the year-in-review thoughts.  Spend a little time thinking (and writing) about what went well, what didn't go well and move forward from there.  That was part of GR podcast and lots of peeps do this at year end.  Prep work for January.

I didn't think of any "treats" for my list, but I desperately need them.  I'm STRUGGLING big this week.  I worked hard during the holidays and now I'm falling on my face THIS WEEK?!?!?!  Wine and cheese last night.  Come on girlfriend - get your butt back up.  I'd like to say today is the day that happens, but it feels like a lie.  I'll try ... stay tuned ...  up and down and up and down ... ugh.

Here's another meme on my vision board.  Happy Friday!  Later gators.

Good Morning

Yep, title burnout is real.  I need to think of something new to "theme" my titles, but I can't come up with anything.

Speaking of themes ... Gretchen Rubin's latest podcast talks about choosing a WORD for the new year.  I haven't listened to it yet, but she mentioned it was coming up and it's out now.  I love that idea.  I'm starting my set-up for all the fun new year stuff.  I'm working on the vision board and doing some goal thinking this week.

January 15 marks the last of the life coaching.  I've been doing it since June with the Whole30 coaching.  I'm a little nervous to be on my own (sounds dramatic), but I need to see what that looks like for me.  Life coaching is expensive and a luxury and I need to take that seriously.

I chatted with my bff yesterday and we opened our Christmas gifts together on the phone.  My favorite gift was a Tea Forte mug and the most superb tea I've ever had - it's expensive.  $44 for the container of loose tea leaves.  She drinks it at her hair salon and bought the tea bags to have at home, but it didn't taste as good.  Turns out the loose tea leaves are better.  It has the best mild flavor and no caffeine.  (I looked up the price because I wanted to send it to my PHB team -- they are all sending/sent gifts to the group.  Too much $$$ to send for them though.)

The PHB group sent me a journal with my name (thanks, Darcie) and a bracelet with the question, "What would a healthy person do?" (thanks, Susan).  I need to figure out something to send too.  I think books - something selected for each of them individually.  I have a couple of weeks before this ends to come up with an idea.  Another "idea need" for my brainstorming session today (oh boy).

Susan's business is home jewelry parties.
This is really pretty!  LOVE it!

I want to go to boxing today, but I'm concerned it's the instructor with the leg-work, kick obsession.  He seems to be substituting for a lot of the classes during the holidays.  The class has another instructor listed, but all last week it ended up being him.  He's listed on an earlier class, so I wonder ...  My dang leg is a mess and I need to keep it rested.  But I NEED A WORKOUT!!!  I have an hour to decide.  It's probably wiser to do some arms and abs at home for this week and get a true rest for my leg.  UGH.

I also want to "treat" myself to a nitro coffee this week.  Fortunately, it's a bit of a drive or I'd be all over it too frequently.  It's the mother-load of caffeine.  Maybe it can be a weekend treat.  I need to go early or not at all.

Speaking of treats -- I need some motivation to get myself completely back on track.  Some fun things that aren't expensive.  A new book.  A nitro coffee.  That's all I've got so far.  I think I have junk-food brain right now!!  I'm going to spend some time brainstorming in my office today (with my new tea) and see what I can come up with for all my "idea" lists (goals, treats, word of the year).  I might not get much further than drinking the tea with the way my brain is thinking this week.

Last little random thought today ... my bff recommended a series on Netflix.  Call the Midwife.  She hasn't watched it yet, but her friend said it makes her want to be a better person.  Wow!  I watched the first episode and I liked it a lot.  I'm not feeling like being a better person yet (lol) but it was really good.

I lied - one more random thought.  I started collecting quotes for my vision board.  Here's one I like for today.  Later gators.

Post-Christmas Carnage (and pictures)

Happy Boxing Day!  One year we had a big family party with more food, drinks, kids and LICE.  Never again.  Too much of EVERYTHING!!  (Fortunately, we didn't get the lice too, just had to "de-lice" the house.)

This year, my family is back to work, the kitchen is ALMOST back together and the final clean up is underway.  Tossing bits of ratty left-overs, dumping the final sips of wine bottles, tossing juice mixers we'll never drink on their own, putting away all the special servers.  Feels good.

We have substantial left-overs that will carry us for the next couple of meals - yea!!

I won't un-decorate until this weekend.  I need a few days to decompress.  And I was WAY OFF about my monthly friend.  Came (for real) this morning.

I feel like I've been run over today.  Monthly yuck, joints hurt (too much gluten) and my leg is officially injured.  I've been flitting around with it for weeks and it's bad enough that it needs my attention - or actually my lack of attention (REST).  No running for a few days.  I might not even be able to box.  One day at a time on this one.  This injury is a first for my leg, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Okay - recap of Christmas.  It was CALM and BRIGHT (I did it LOL!!!!).  We had a super time hanging out, laughing, watched a movie, ate, drank and repeated again.  The dogs were fun and loved the excitement and new toys.  I'm full of good things -- family, connection, love, abundance, gratitude.  It was a Christmas to remember.

Here are some pictures from the day (out of order because my dang computer again).

Christmas Eve dinner

Big kid, little dog and fun bubbles

Christmas Eve set-up

Small spread for HAPPY Hour

Dogs and a martini

Parker waiting for his gifts.
Duke had no clue - 1st Christmas with us.

Duke singing (actually a yawn LOL)

Happy hour CHEERS!!

As I've mentioned, loved this holiday season and love this season OVER.  Time to get back to my "normal" life.  Transition week.  Clean-up in every sense of my life.  My house, my eating, my sleep, my mind.  Getting ready for the new year and some fun projects.

Happy Boxing Day!!  Later gators.

Joy to the World

Whatever today means for you, I wish you joy, peace and love.  Merry Christmas!!

Silent Night, Holy Night

All is CALM and all is BRIGHT.  My Christmas motto.  It was fun to do and it was a good reminder to stay calm and enjoy the bright.  I give myself about a C+ on the execution.  I was a solid B+ until this last bit, but I held onto a passing grade!  Yea ME!

This was a Gretchen Rubin tip and I'm totally into her full force again.  She's the reason for my fun year a few years ago when I did My Happiness Project.  I have some fun, interesting planning coming for 2019.  It's a mash-up of Gretchen Rubin, Rachel Hollis and Brooke Castillo.  It's an all girl show this year.

Bring it, ladies!

This is the quietest morning all week.  Hubby is sleeping, youngest at work and I have lots of time for a solid morning routine.  I don't know why I expected no alone time this morning.  Hubby was up until 1:40 playing video games (yes, he's always done this LOL) so he's solidly snoring this morning.

I have ONE last dreaded cooking duty for this holiday season ... slicing the raw ribs.  The recipe doesn't work to cook them in a rack and then slice.  I worry about cutting my fingers (there's often a extra piece of bone on the rib from where it was machine cut in the the rack) and the ribs are COLD and that activates my Raynaud's fingers.  It also takes a long time to disinfect after raw pork.  After that, it's all EASY!

You don't exactly think Asian pork ribs when you think Christmas, but my gang does - and I can never change it.  I've tried, suggested, cooked additional meats - NOPE.

Asian ribs, mashed potatoes with all the goodies (cheese, sour cream, bacon, chives), flat salad and roasted veggies (green beans, onions and tomatoes).  Small munchie plate to start (cheese, meat, olives, nuts, crackers, etc) and we ADDED a cocktail.  This addition was all thumbs up!  It's a classic Cosmopolitan in a red-sugar rimmed glass - all from scratch (no mixers!!!).  My people are strange but they come by it honestly (apples not far from the mama tree).

Last year, we started a new tradition to save all the Christmas cards to open on Christmas Eve.  We divide them, each open our stack and then have a just-for-fun contest.  Best card.  Worst card.  Most effort.  Least effort.  You get the idea.  We vote on overall winners in each category.  Then we pass the groups around to see every card.  It's probably a dying game since cards are dropping every year.  We stopped last year and started giving our card money and making a donation to Releash Atlanta.  It's a double win - no pressure to mail cards and money to dogs in need.  Everyone sees our mugs on social media anyway.

Merry Christmas (Eve) to all!

Sleigh Bells Ring are You Listening

I'm repeating some titles.  It's been fun to choose a Christmas lyric, but it's getting tough to think of them now.  Soon I'll be back to my riveting titles like "Wednesday."

I need all the PATIENCE I can muster today (but, be clear Universe, I'm NOT asking for patience -- can't be fooled on this again).  Today is the BIG grocery store run.  It's worse than Thanksgiving.  People are tired, stressed, grumpy, overindulged and it's a battle field on every road and every parking lot.  Go early, go quickly and be prepared.  Hahaha but also NOT hahaha  -- it's kind of true!!

Today's baking is brought to me by APPLES.  Oh, how I dislike baking apple pies.  It's my curse LOL.  I'm finished with cookies and hubby STILL keeps eating them.  I'm boxing the kids cookies today and then he can't touch them!!  I caught him sneaking a big handful before bed.  That man loves chocolate chip cookies.

My eating has still been LESS-THAN.  Not horrible, but not good either and I'm feeling it.  I'm also getting my monthly friend today (I thought it happened yesterday, but it stalled).  That compounds feeling yucky.  Three more days and the holidays are over (I don't do anything for NYE). I'm going to go with the flow (oh boy, no pun intended but too good to delete it - sorry for the reference).

I'm excited for Christmas and maybe equally excited to get back to a normal routine.  December was over-the-top for us in fantastic ways, but I'm a home-girl and I need my chill life back for a bit.

If I don't check-in ... Merry Christmas!!  May it be everything we hope for and may we love everything it actually is (my zen words today).  Later gators.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Drum roll ... my grand-doggies have their DNA tests back.

JUNEBUG:
50% Mini Poodle
12.5% American Staffordshire Terrier
12.5% Chow
25% Mixed herding dog

ZOEY:
50% Chihuahua
12.5% Minnature Schnauzer
37.5% Terrier and Guard mix group (which includes a great dane lol)

Hope the kids are excited we did this and don't think we overstepped!

Last night was a lot of fun!  The Christmas show was even better than last year.  I save the tickets to remember the seats we like (they have extra leg room).  We got them on accident the first time.

My king-of-selfies got this picture of us last night.
That's my other outfit and he's wearing a Steeler's Christmas sweater.

The friend I had coffee with mentioned a restaurant she had heard of in the area of the show.  Persian.  It's one of our favorite types of food.  Noosh.  Turns out last night was a Persian holiday - Winter Solstice.  They celebrate the LONGEST NIGHT of the year.  I've never heard that perspective.  Only the SHORTEST DAY of the year.  It was a total party and we were the only non-Persian peeps which I think is cool -- felt like we had traveled to another county.  So much fun.  They explained everything to us - super friendly and the food was fantastic.  That was the surprise of the night.

Today is the most relaxed day of Christmas prep.  I have a few house chores and I'm baking the Magic Cookie Bars.  I have to do another double batch of chocolate chip because my hubby ate so many.  Oh well.  Merry Christmas my selfie-man.

I'm active resting my leg today.  Yesterday's boxing was that same instructor as a substitute.  The workout was EXACTLY the same as Wednesday.  I did my own thing.  No way my right leg could muster those kicks again.

I woke up dreaming of going back to bed tonight.  I'll probably be asleep by 8 o'clock LOL!  Wild Saturday night.  Have (and make) it a great day!  Later gators.

O Holy Night

Saw this FUNNY on Facebook ... 

Today is a good day.  Boxing class, coffee catch-up with a good friend and a Christmas music concert at 5 o'clock (with all the seniors - hahahaha).  I love this variety show - great music, nice voices and laid-back.  There's a 7:30 show, but we like the early-bird one.  We were probably the only people under 70 last year LOL (buses from the senior centers lined up outside - true story).  They don't try to fancy up classic songs - it's sung as it was meant to be - don't mess with my Christmas music!  That's why we stopped going to the symphony -- they try too hard and very little music is recognizable to us common folk.

I'm re-wearing my outfit from last Friday night.  Perfectly easy and comfortable.

I'm in a pattern of eating too much at night again.  This needs to stop because I can "feel" it this morning.  Bloated, swollen and achy.  I'm playing with fire.  Enough now.  Lots of cooking and prep to do still and I need to be on my energy game.  I need a long-term separation from cheese LOL.  PMS week is hitting me hard.  Guess I need to hit back harder.  I haven't written in my urge book for a week - I keep giving into the urges rather than allowing them.  Dang.

My hips are SO SORE from kickboxing and way too many round-house kicks.  I feel like I'm walking strange.  Today's class is technically kickboxing too, but this instructor doesn't do those kicks as much.  I can't tell if it's a good sore or a bad sore ... I'm leaning to bad.  Tomorrow is an active rest day and I'll need it.

I've tried to get a picture of my hair tinsel but it's not showing up in the pictures.  I'll keep trying!  It's so fun.  It needs to catch the light just right to show up on my phone.

Yesterday, I busted butt (and my back) and got so much finished.  Everything is wrapped and ready.  I need a few stocking stuffers (my favorite thing) and that's all.  I'll pick up some things at Target today.  Drop cookies are made and all that's left in the cookie department is the magic cookie bars - super easy.

Next year I'm heading back to early preparations.  Early baking (and freezing), earlier shopping and wrapping.  This year I had no choice, but I don't like last minute rushing around.  My sister is finished in October - that's too early for me, but this year is absolutely too last minute.

As much as I love Christmas, I also love the quiet that follows Christmas.  Un-decorated house seems so clean.  Indulgences slow down.  Focus on new.  This December has been amazing, but I'm ready for a 180 in January.  I've been hanging on to HEALTHY by the skin of my teeth this month (eating, meditation, affirmations, podcasts, etc).  I'm excited to get back to full strength and work on my 2019 goals (more on this in January).

Yesterday I heard someone say they don't say "have a good day," but instead say "make it a good day."  (I think it was on the Today Show.)  So let's make it a good day - first day of winter, final countdown to Christmas.  Big breath in and out - this can happen!  Later gators.

Fa la la la la

Cookie baking is underway.  Each of my people get a pick of a cookie and then I also make a bar cookie (or two, if I have time).  Peanut butter (eldest's fiancé), oatmeal raisin (youngest, seriously who picks this??) and chocolate chip (both hubby and eldest so I make A LOT).

Classic, basic and EASY.  They can choose any kind and I LOVE that they pick the one step, easy kind LOL!

PB and oatmeal are finished and in the freezer.  Chocolate chip dough is made and baking is already underway this morning.  I'm trying to have most finished before the cleaning crew today.

I'm trying to get ahead of my to-do list a bit in case I get sick - so many colds, bugs, etc floating around.

Remember the forgotten gift??  Amazon Prime to the rescue.  Oprah's favorite things list.  It's a purse/tote insert for travel.  It has a light on the inside and organizes all the travel/purse stuff from makeup to cords.  Winner.  Mailed with gift bag directly to her.  You can never have enough travel organizers.  I saw fluffy mittens on this list and I fell in love until I saw the price - $75 - wow.  Never mind, Santa.

Boxing yesterday was changed to a kickboxing class with another instructor.  He was fun, but I had enough of round-house kicks to last a lifetime.  I switched my kicks in the end - my poor hips.  My quad is bugging me so a boxing upper body class seemed good - it was mostly legs though.  Ugh.  It's pouring rain today so I guess I'm hitting the treadmill for a slow run if my leg feels okay.

The BEST news is I am actually finished with my Christmas shopping - for real this time.  Yesterday we hit up Costco and I got the ribs for Christmas Eve so grocery shopping will be in the regular store.  My son and I spent the entire afternoon running errands and getting crap DONE!!  It feels good.

After I finish baking and workout, the entire day is an office day.  Pay bills, wrap gifts, make Releash calls.  Wrapping gifts hurts my back (so does baking).  Best to do it in stages.  Any little bit I can get done ahead makes a big difference on "wrapping day."  If I have a few minutes, I run upstairs and wrap a gift.  I can't tell you how much that helps.  Seems strange, but my back thanks me!!

I'm struggling to rotate writing, baking and taking care of dogs .  Best focus on my cookies (and my dogs).  Have a great day!  Later gators.

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

Good morning!

One more day closer to Christmas - oh boy!  I was able to buy the "last gift" yesterday only to remember I need a gift for my girlfriend and I need to mail it.  Dang, double dang!  I need to do some brainstorming today.  Maybe Amazon Prime to the rescue mailed directly to her.

I had my hair appointment and got 6 pieces of silver hair tinsel.  It's so cute.  I'll take a picture once the keratin is out.  Just a little sparkle hidden in the hair - you only see it when the light hits it.  Festive and fun.  I love the direction the salon is taking - I can act like a teenager with my hair now LOL.

We found out that our company from this weekend has the FLU.  Shit.  I think it happened after they left, but they say nope (symptomatic Saturday night).  The flu hits hard and usually doesn't take days to ramp up - more like hours.  I don't think it was the flu when they were here.  Either way we are past the exposure period tomorrow.  Fingers crossed.

I had my PHB coaching call last night.  We are building vision boards and mission statements for 2019.  It's a fun project.  It also took me away from all the negative mojo surrounding the program.  I feel back to normal with my mindset.  The project "rules" are to start with her branding images - um, nope on that, but otherwise all is well.  I'll share when I'm finished with it.  I have some exciting new stuff for the new year -- stay tuned.  Also, no new homework until January - dodged a bullet LOL!

I have my list together for this week leading up to Christmas.  It's full, but doable.  Cleaning crew switched my day this week, so today is lunch with my youngest (he has a flex afternoon), Costco (wish me luck) and the first batch of cookies.  Peanut butter.

I'm also planning to box.  My right thigh is still bothering me and after running yesterday is really "off."  I'm babying it a bit to see what's up.

I'm doing a lot better in my headspace again.  Up and down, on and off.  Resilience is #1 priority (for me).  Shit happens.  Keep going.

Well, time to shop for my girlfriend.  I can't believe I dropped the ball on her gift.  I sent her a little something a few months ago and I think that's why it left my brain!

Later gators.

Baby it's Cold Outside!

The arctic freeze is here!  Feels like Christmas - Atlanta will be dripping in puffy jackets and fake fur hahaha.

Speaking of Christmas - I have exactly ONE more gift to buy at a store.  It's in the most crowded outdoor mall with parking garage parking only.  Wish me luck.  I'm going this week EARLY in the day - in and out.

Today is a ME day.  Hair appointment, mammogram and coaching call.  I'm not over-the-moon for any of it today, but I'll put in a podcast, bring a book and make the best of sitting around all day.

I need to make a list for the week.  Lots to do and I'm in denial a little.  I kept thinking once the proposal weekend was over, everything was a piece of cake.  I actually have a lot to do - grocery shop, bake, cook, bake again, wrap presents.  

Yesterday was kind of a mental health day for me in the opposite of what  helps mental health.  Translated - I took a break from all my healthy habits (most, at least - no workout, no meditation, no affirmations, no goal list).  I did my work, made the phone calls, did some Christmas shopping and was a lazy slug on the sofa the rest of the night.  I watched a cheesy Christmas movie on Netflix and reruns of Big Bang Theory.  It felt good at the time, but back to everything today.  I need some stamina and energy to get through the week.  (And I want to enjoy this week too!)  It was a crash and burn kind of night.  Why?!?!  I felt like it LOL.

Okay - not much to say this morning.  Have a terrific Tuesday!  Later gators.

Up on the Housetop

Monday - I'm glad you're here.  This is a "normal" week and, while it's full, it's manageable.  Bring on final Christmas prep!

________________________________________________________________________

I told you I'd share a story about PHB.  I typed a very long post and deleted it.  I decided sharing  someone else's negative experience on a public forum is not a good decision on my part.  I promised to keep it confidential and, um, this would be the opposite of that - I forget that this is public.

I will tell you, Jennifer is ape-shit crazy (that's my personal experience).  I'll also say this was a big reminder for me.

ALWAYS question.
NEVER follow blindly.
ALWAYS trust your intuition.

My gut has been pinging me about Jennifer for a long time.  I thought it was me - I didn't connect with her.  She's been featured on the Today Show and has so many accolades in her pocket.  She's a LIFE COACH with a thriving business and hundreds of women who love her.  It has to be a problem with me.

Except it's not.  It's her.  I have her responses in writing and I promise it's shocking every time I read them.  I like the program.  I like my coach and my group.  I'm totally over Jennifer and I'll never support her or her program because of it.  This has been one the few contacts I've had with Jennifer (even though it's her program) so nothing really needs to change for me.

What I learned confirmed what my gut has been trying to tell me.  Good to know.  When you see behind the curtain, you can't unsee it.

Okay - no more energy to Jennifer.

________________________________________________________________________

Time for true confessions.

I ate a stupid amount of bread yesterday -- bread with breakfast, lunch dinner and a snack.  Buffering and not caring - hello egg sandwich (twice), hello spiced bread with butter (breakfast and snack).  It was delicious and it smoothed out my rough, tired edges.  Crap, because it probably didn't really do that.  I wanted to relax and reward and EAT BREAD.

The issue is my tummy is mad and my joints hurt this morning and now I'm on cold sore look-out.  Well, it was my own choice.  Onward.  I'm sure I'll get some urges to write in the book today - lol.

The weekend was so much fun.  My son did an amazing job on the proposal, ring, surprises and making the event special for the entire family.  We had a nice time with her parents and good conversations.

I'm still a little bent out of shape about yesterday.  I think it would have been nice to include us in some of that day considering everything.  But, I'm letting it go (after I ate all the bread in the house).  I need to practice some tough skin and some thinking turn arounds for all the wedding planning ahead.  I'm choosing to focus on the other, better things.

I made a quick photo book for the kids from the celebration.  As I mentioned yesterday, the lighting was off.  Hubby switched the flash setting on my phone so most of the pictures are blurry.  It takes so long for the flash to decide that people moved too much.  Most of the pictures aren't display worthy, but putting them in a Shutterfly book is a great memory of the day.  Shutterfly makes it easy, but I still  got impatient working on it.  Me and crafty struggle to be together for very long hahahaha!

Today is a phone day.  My call with Darcie which is usually about 2 hours (we can talk forever!!!) and then Releash calls.  I'm running out for quick shopping errands for my youngest too in-between calls.

I have a new podcast recommendation from my son's FIANCE'S father ... NPR - How I Built This (with Guy Raz).  He said he listened to one about Stitch Fix on the way here.  Looking forward to checking it out.  Expanding my podcasts - yea!!

Okay, this was a long one (after the one I deleted).  Time to get these old sore joints moving.  Later gators.

Sleigh Bells Ring (Proposal Pictures)

Everything was PERFECT!  A day of SURPRISES, family, love and celebration.  The restaurant and food were amazing.  The lighting for the pictures -- not so great, but here's a sampling.

Black pant jumper for the win.
50s vintage clutch.

GORGEOUS!!

My HEART!!  Love these kids!

Hubby and his selfie face LOL.

The happy couple!

Cheers!!!

Five Golden Rings (and hair picture!)

Today is THE day!  Proposal happening around noon.  I'm so excited and so happy no more secret surprises!  Hubby and I are "talking" on eggshells not wanting to accidentally say something that will be a clue to anyone.

The weather is still yucky but should clear up this afternoon.  The last 2 Saturdays have been a total wash weather wise - pouring rain all day kind of thing.  Yesterday was supposed to be the yuckiest of the weekend, but it's still gross this morning.

My outfit drama is REAL, folks.  I have 2 choices (green dress or black pant jumper).  Both have issues.

The green dress is a sweat concern.  I'll be excited and possibly pit-out the longer sleeves - that's a lovely look.  And SHOES!!  I can't find ones comfortable that go with the dress.  I walk like a beast in heels - even after watching youtube on how-to-walk-in-heels.  On the plus side, it's a festive holiday dress - very fun.  I have a vintage silver clutch to carry and that makes me smile - I love old stuff with a history.

The black pant jumper requires some serious control garments because the belly part shows everything (which is odd since it's not tight).  I also can't zip or unzip it all the way myself.  I need a bathroom partner.  A bathroom stranger is fine, but what if the bathroom is empty?!?!  On the plus side, shoes are easy and no sweat issue.  I bought a clutch which will be fine or I can use the silver vintage one.

Choices, choices. Neither of which makes me comfortable.  This morning the black outfit has a narrow advantage because of the sweat thing.  The more I'm nervous about sweating ... you know the rest ... sweat will happen.

This is when I wonder if I was suppose to be a boy.  Then I remember I hate sports, so probably I'm just a lame duck girly-girl hahahaha.

Pictures to come.  It's a beautiful day (even if my outfit hates me hahaha).

About last night ....
Dinner and a comfortable outfit (which was too casual for tonight - believe me, that crossed my mind to switch outfits).

Steak, tons of side dishes, red wine and it was all delicious.

I got my hair done and I liked it so much, I'm doing it again today.  What the heck - it wasn't too fancy and it held up well in the weather.  This was the first time I had an updo and it was so interesting to see how much work goes into making it look like it was casually put together.  I could NEVER do it myself - not even close.  A hair monster is born -- I'm addicted already LOL!

This was before I got dressed.  I didn't take a picture of the entire "look."

I have a seriously crazy, crazy story to tell, but it needs to wait for another day (next week).  Turns out Jennifer is a piece of work.  Stay tuned ... it was eye opening and a little scary.

I'm so excited for today and I'm so excited to have this weekend finished.  It was a lot of planning and executing and emotion.  No more outfit planning, drives in the city, worrying about this and that, time sensitive to-do lists.  Christmas will feel like a breath of fresh air.  Next week is cookie baking, a holiday concert (have I mentioned I love Christmas music!!), wrapping and final shopping.

I feel like my Christmas motto of All is Calm and All is Bright needs some work hahahaha.  I'm trying.  Does that count?

P.S. my bug bite thing is still on my forehead, but it's not getting bigger.  I'm "safe" for tonight's dinner.

Today is the beginning of gaining a daughter-in-law!  We are thrilled and proud and happy.  That's all that matters (that and my outfit, of course LOL).  Later gators.

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen

Okay - quick update from yesterday and then it's OVER.  Lots of message exchanges - no matter how many times I said her response was the issue, she kept talking about the "technical" problem.  She left me a voicemail offering to refund that week's fee because of the TECHNICAL issues.  Goodness.  I messaged on last time and, hopefully, it's over.  Apparently, unfollowing her on Instagram set her off in a big way.  There's one more message this morning (that I haven't read), but my responding is finished.

Onward.

Today is the first of the fancy night out dinners.  I have a casual holiday outfit all set.  Dark red dress, comfortable (but cute) boots and a great clutch.  The dinner is fancy, but the atmosphere isn't fancy.  Rustic look with high end food and great service.  I'll be having steak - yum, red wine - yum and the rest I don't even care about LOL.

The last 2 nights, I've been buffering with food.  Ugh.  Not resisting the urges, not allowing the urges, GIVING INTO the urges.  Too much at night.  Snacking, not dinner.  Dang.  I went to bed super early and got a great night's sleep (11 hours).  I feel back to myself today.  Drama and emotions are back to normal - whew, it was a rough ride.  Of course, these next 2 days are eating fancy and drinking so it's not like I have to try very hard.

Kick boxing this morning - yea.  I need a good sweat.

I have a strange bug bite (maybe) over my eyebrow.  I wondered if it was an ingrown hair since I had my eyebrows done this week.  I don't think so though (fingers crossed).  It's big and red and itchy.  Looks like a huge hive.  It grew last night to triple the size, so I took Benadryl and this morning it's back to original size.  Please, pretty please let this go away and not be some THING on my face for tomorrow.

I'm also having an updo at my hair salon.  First time ever.  I'm excited and hopeful for a fun look tonight.  (Tomorrow's outfit is still a problem - more on that tomorrow.  Being a girl is hard for me LOL.)

This is a quick one today (hubby is up and home this morning).  Later gators.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

The Universe likes to change things up ... and yesterday was a doozy.

Let my RANT begin ...

PHB homework was late posting to their network AGAIN and I have a limited time to work on it before it's due.  I messaged my coach who suggested I message our fearless program leader.

A quick backup ... the more I get to "see" Jennifer in action, the more I don't connect with her and at times totally disagree with her.  An example.  She hired a personal assistant to help her with the administrative stuff.  This assistant had hip replacement surgery and she asked her paying customers (me included) to chip in toward a meal delivery service for her recovery.  This is a person I've never met, have no contact with and ... oh, I'm a paying customer.  Not appropriate in my opinion.

So I messaged her explaining why I needed to do it early this week, etc.

Her response was shitty.  (I showed it to my AC partner for her opinion in case I was overreacting.)  She told me I needed to act like a "healthy person" and reach out to let her know there is a problem (what did she think I was doing - exactly that) and when she turns the homework "on" in the system is doesn't often work the first time.  She didn't apologize.  She said I needed to "understand" we are all human and this is no big deal.

Huh?!?!?

I replied.  I'm doing just that - thank you.  And perhaps she needed a better system in place if her process fails regularly.  Maybe one of the administrators could verify the homework instead of asking her customers to take that responsibility.

She responded again with a "we" are doing the best "we" can (she's the only one who can unlock the homework ... no "we" involved) and it's much better than it was before the network.

I kept my coach in the loop letting her know Jennifer's response needed some work on the "customer service" front, but the homework got posted.  Later, Jennifer posted in the network explaining the problem and APOLOGIZING.  Hmmmm.  Don't know if that was related or not.

But, wait, there's more ...

Every time homework is posted late, Jennifer is on vacation or had a busy social day.  How do I know?  It was required I follow her on Instagram.  This week was no different.  She was out for the evening at a party and posted all about it.  And the homework was late - crazy coincidence?  I believe the "on" button doesn't always work, but I think when she's socializing or traveling, she doesn't check it.

Darcie suggested I "unfollow" her on social media.  I won't get fired up, triggered, whatever you want to call it.  Good idea.  I did.

Apparently, she gets notified when someone does that ... oops.  Now I have a message waiting for me from her on the PHB network.  I haven't logged in, but I can see the start of the message.  "I see you unfollowed me on Instagram."  Crap.

I wasn't looking for drama, but I found it.  I thought a lot about why this triggered me so much yesterday.  I have my answer, but it's a long story.  The super quick version is it was the anniversary of my dad's passing, also a day that created an issue with my mother years ago (the reason we will never have an intimate relationship again) and with my son getting engaged this weekend, I was feeling a lot emotion.  Wishing my dad were here to see this happy moment.  Putting shields up for my mother's reaction.  Jennifer's response was something my mom would say and it set me off in a BIG way.

Is that growth for me?!?!?  I don't know.  I don't care.  I want the drama finished.  I stepped in it big time.

RANT over (although I'll let you know what happens today - I'm not opening the message until later).

Today is a regularly scheduled day ... the first in weeks.  I have a pedicure this morning (my toes are LONG) and lunch with a friend.  Some rescue calls this afternoon and nothing more.  I needed a "down" day to regroup.  I picked up hubby early this morning from his red-eye flight and that was the "big" thing on my calendar.  Treadmill run with some music to ZONE OUT which sounds really good.

Later gators.

Frosty the Snowman (plus pictures)

Good morning.  For some reason, I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep.  I gave up an hour later and got my day started.

It's still a full day, but somehow feels less hectic.  The BIG things are finishing up on my list and boy oh boy do I need some regular old down-time.

Let's talk RING - it looks amazing.  My eldest did such a fantastic job of picking it out and he's so excited for Saturday (we all are!!).

We picked up little Aspen who got an adorable hair cut and is doing much better socializing.  Lots of driving (so much traffic yesterday), lots of errands and somehow it all got finished.  Whew.

PHB call last night was chatting about forgiveness.  It's not something that is an issue for me right now, so I didn't have a big reaction to anything -- for a couple of girls, it was a hard exercise though.  Tears and so on.  Next step is a LIFE MANTRA and VISION.  It's a big homework week so I'm scheduling some time to get it started early.

Dare to Lead - Brene Brown.  I read it over our trip.  It was good, but I listened to a podcast recently (maybe it was Super Soul Sunday) and it detailed the entire book.  I'd recommend either, but both wasn't necessary.

I'll talk about The Dark Side of the Light Chasers (Debbie Ford) when I do the exercises on it - not until January (most likely).  The gist is when someone triggers you, good or bad, there is a reason.  It's an exercise on accepting all of yourself.  Super interesting read (and a quick one).

I also listened to a podcast (and I can't remember which one at all - ugh) that had a really interesting point.  Maybe it was the latest Brooke Castillo with a guest coach???  Anyway, the point was when you stop having external things on your list to work on, then you finally understanding the need for internal work.  I want to grow a family.  I want to grow a career.  I want to become financially strong. I want to own a house.  I want to travel.  I want to lose 50lbs.  I want to get in shape.

All the thing you think you need to do to be happy or successful or proud.  When you finish all those things - have the house, have the family, have the career - then it's a "what now??"  That's when the internal work takes the lead.

YES!  This is what happened in my situation.  I did the STUFF and was still coming up short.  I dabbled in internal thought work, but never focused on it AND I was looking externally for the next steps.

It doesn't mean external goals stop though, it means the focus shifts.  The external is more gratifying when you have the internal stuff in better shape too.

That's my sermon today hahahaha.  It struck a chord with me and summed up what I've never been able to articulate.  Maybe this is the definition of a mid-life crisis?!?!

Oh .... SHOES!!!  I almost forgot which is funny since my laptop is being squished out on the table by boxes and boxes of shoes!  So far - one pair is set for return - too small in the toe area.  The others I like and need to try on with clothes.  One more possible return because the boots have a heel and are slippery in the front.  I bet I can scuff them or put some sort of anti-slip sticker on them (they must make something like that).  My rule is if I'll NEVER choose them over another pair, then NOPE.

Here are a few Christmas decoration photos.  I never took a picture of my "good" tree though.  These were taken so I can remember where I put stuff and don't need to "think" when I decorate next year.  Is that zapping the holiday spirit??  Maybe, but I want EASY!  I have more, but they're even more boring hahahaha.

My new CHRISTMAS blocks on the shelf.
Photobomb Parker.

The "family" tree. 

A couple of Christmas things on my photo board.

Hubby loves gnomes.  I found the little block at Home Goods
and then happened to find a matching gnome.  

Stockings!  Can't do over fireplace since we use it too frequently.
Addition of Chubby Christmas Bird from Pottery Barn on the right.
(The name cracks me up - the bird is really cute.)
It's my soon to be daughter-in-law's stocking addition this year.

Did I mention I'm glad to be home?  Home feels good.  My bed felt good.  Now I need to get my house in shape for this weekend.  Ramblings over.  Have a happy hump day.  Later gators.

Jingle Bells

What a trip!  We had the BEST time.  Travel days were long, but smooth and the sites were worth every bit of the hassle.  I read 2 self-help books (more on those another day), watched a good plane movie (The Wife - with Glenn Close) to occupy the long flights.  On Sunday, hubby wanted to listen to football on the drive back from the Grand Canyon so I hit up some new podcasts (more on that another time too).

The weather was spot-on ... cold, crisp with not one cloud.  Hikes were beautiful and I did my meditation on the mountain - on an energy vortex (discretely - I'm still not "that" person).  We went to a local place for breakfast every morning and I had corn beef hash EVERY DAY!  We only ate out for dinner once at a local Mexican/Southwestern spot.  People line up at 4:30 for the 5pm opening -- we got one of the last tables for the initial seating and we were there at 4:45.  The first night we stopped at In And Out Burger (did I spell that right?).  I got a bun-less burger - hubby loves that place.  Sunday we stopped at Whole Foods and ate from their food bar.  This trip wasn't about the food (which is unusual for us).

The hotel in Sedona (Courtyard by Marriott) was the prettiest - rooftop observation for sunrise (another meditation spot), fire place and the room was the most thoughtful layout we've stayed in - never wanting for a plug, a light, a place to set something.  The workout room had great equipment, clean, never busy.  Well done Marriott!

Today is FULL.  Ran hubby to car rental this morning, frantically unpacking, doing wash, fixing house (22 year old all alone - it needs some work), heading to boxing all BEFORE ... the ring pickup today!!  Woo hoo!  I'm also picking up Aspen from the far, far, far away vet.  PHB call tonight.  Whew - it's a busy one.  On that note ... here are some pictures.  I'm glad we took this trip - glad to be home too.  Later gators.

Out of order - dang pictures are giving me grief since latest computer upgrade.  I think January is an Apple girl phone call again!!

Grand Canyon! We did the South Rim Trail walk.
Beautiful, cold, snow and PERFECT!
Mathers Outlook.

Sedona 2nd hike.  That's hubby up the rocks.

Love this picture - my mountain man LOL.
Grand Canyon.

Sedona 3rd hike to the Energy Vortex.
Quad workout from hell.

First hike up-and-around trail.
We hiked it on accident because we thought it was another trail.
Oops.  But it was excellent too!

Grand Canyon

Sunrise beginning.
The BLUES were amazing.

We watched it every morning.

I mean, come on!!

BREAKFAST!